Come join the fun and help Dana and Correia middle schools and Point Loma High raise money for music programming at the second annual Night Out on Newport on Thursday, April 18 from 5-8 p.m.

Music students from Correia Middle and PLHS will perform on the third block of Newport Avenue and inside businesses.

As part of a nonprofit, the Point Loma Instrumental Music Program relies on the support and generosity of donors to help cover operating expenses.

Donations of time and money are crucial to keeping the music program running and helping talented young musicians. Throughout the year, there are several opportunities to help the program financially.

Funding is needed for music programs at all three schools, noted Stasi McAteer, president of Point Loma High School Pointer Association Music Boosters, and a board member handling communications for Correia Instrumental Music Association.

“Our biggest expense is bringing in experts, coaches, tutors or (music) artists to work with students on their particular instruments,” said McAteer noting the combined music programs at the schools involve approximately 150 to 200 students in band, orchestra, and jazz guitar programs. Noting COVID was a hardship on music programming because “it was extremely hard to teach band over Zoom,” McAteer added in-person instruction now feeds off “the energy of students being in the room together. These students lost a couple of years in their training, which those schools are now trying to build back into their programming.”

Three Point Loma music students participating in Night Out On Newport talked about what the fundraiser means to them. “Night Out was a unique opportunity,” said junior Diego Robles, a tenor sax and bass clarinet player. “In doing music in schools, I haven’t been able to get out there and play publicly.

“So last year, when I heard I’d be playing in the jazz band for this gig, I was very excited. The local venues on Newport Avenue are incredible, and playing at the Humble Heart was very fun, as I had just gone to my first local show there about a month prior. The student ensembles ranged from the jazz band to choir, to small guitar ensembles. Overall, the event is incredibly diverse and unique, cementing itself as the favorite performance I’ve done thus far.”

“Night Out was a great experience for me and my classmates,” noted Correia eighth-grader Patrick Gallagher, a bari sax player. “I enjoyed having the opportunity to play for the public and see people I’ve never met sit down to listen to our band. It was also great to see all the student-led ensembles get a chance to play in public.”

Cole Fisher, a PLHS senior and marching band drum major who plays cello, flute, and bari sax commented: “Night Out allowed me to get together with my friends and play the music we love on our terms. Being able to play for the public in local venues was a unique and valuable experience. Taking my music off the stage and into local restaurants and bars was unforgettable. I can’t wait to do it again.”

Regarding the music fundraiser’s origin, McAteer noted: “We were thinking it might be good to do something like a pub crawl, and then we thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we could do something with kids performing?’”

“I live in OB and have relationships with a lot of these businesses because they are my neighbors,” McAteer continued. “That’s how it all came together. We had about 250 people at last year’s event including alumni, community members, and parents. They were hanging out and listening to some great music from the kids, and we raised over $1,000.”

McAteer noted music supporters can contribute cash or checks in Booster Boxes on Newport event day with checks made payable to “PLHS PA Music Boosters.”  They can also donate using a Paypal QR code by clicking on these links Donate (paypal.com).

The event spokesperson got a big surprise last year. “Someone last year handed me $100,” McAteer said.

The Point Loma High School Pointer Association is a nonprofit. Contributions may be tax-deductible and can be made easily and securely through the association’s PayPal account. The Federal Tax ID for the Pointer Association is 95-3800169. A clip from music students’ jazz performance at Humble Heart: https://youtu.be/5Kgd_E3ztxM.

Night Out On Newport

When: Thursday, April 18 from 5-8 p.m.

Where: Newport Avenue and inside businesses.

OB music venues hosting student performances and giving back a portion of proceeds: OB Beans, Gianni Buonomo Vintners, Humble Heart Music & Thrift ($10 cover charge).

Sponsoring businesses giving back a portion of proceeds: Mad Munch Grilled Cheezer, California Wild Ales, Hummus, Johnny Manana’s.